Troubleshooting: Why Is Wikimedia Commons Still Showing the Old SVG Image?

Recently, I uploaded a new version of an SVG image to Wikimedia Commons. However, the platform still displays the old version of the image. Despite clearing the cache on my browser, the issue persists. This article will explore possible solutions to this problem and provide tips on how to ensure your updates are properly displayed.

Checking Different Browsers

One quick solution is to check if other users are seeing the old version as well. If the issue is indeed with your browser, testing different browsers might help. I often switch between browsers for different websites; for example, I use Google Chrome for Quora, but Opera and MS Edge perform better on WikiShootMe.

When browsing different websites, it's important to note that some pages might not have been accessed by the browser before. In such instances, the browser will not update the content until the page is loaded again. In the case of Wikimedia Commons, it's possible that the site hasn't served the updated content to your browser due to caching or other reasons.

Asking for Help on Commons

For more specific and targeted advice, you might want to seek help from the Wikimedia Commons community. A good place to ask is on the Commons forum or through their support channels. However, make sure to provide all the necessary details in your request.

When asking for help, include the following information:

The specific files: Which SVG files are causing the issue? The exact locations: In which galleries or pages are you still seeing the old version? As of when: When did you upload the new versions, and when did you last check for the updates?

Providing detailed information will not only speed up the resolution process but also help those who are trying to assist you.

Example of a detailed message:

"I recently uploaded the following SVG files to Wikimedia Commons:

at {{DateOfUpload}} at {{DateOfUpload}}

However, the old versions are still being displayed at the following galleries or pages:

GALLERY: {{GalleryName}} Page: {{PageTitle}}

I have cleared the cache on my browser, but the old versions remain. Could you please help me understand what might be causing this issue?"

Additional Tips for Troubleshooting

Here are a few additional tips you can try to resolve the issue:

Force a page reload: Press Ctrl F5 (Windows) or Cmd Shift R (Mac) to force a page reload without using the cache. Use incognito mode: Sometimes, browsing in incognito mode can help in ensuring that no cached data interferes with your session. Check for redirects: Ensure that no old files are redirecting to the new ones. You can do this by checking the file history and looking for any redirects.

By following these steps and seeking advice from the community, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues with SVG images on Wikimedia Commons.